The theme of this Summer was already going to be "Re-beginning." That was before I graded so many papers I couldn't think straight. That was before I got a three-week flu that drained my body and soul halfway through the semester. And that was before cancer struck my (full disclosure: "sort of" my) beautiful great dane, Mister.

So now that we have officially entered Summer, I shall re-begin. This involves a few rebirths: meditation, exercise, singing, and writing. By the end of this Summer, I hope to have accomplished the following things: 1) 40 hours of meditation; 2) drop 10 pounds; 3) record my first jazz album; 4) find an agent who sees potential in my work; and 5) complete my third novel.

Biting off more than I can chew? Perhaps. But a re-beginning is what I wanted, and a re-beginning is what I will create.